With a redesigned DOHC V6, the fourth-generation Pilot takes Honda’s family mover to new heights.
- The 2023 Pilot brings Honda’s storied crossover into its fourth generation.
- The three-row Pilot features a new, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 that makes 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is a modest bump in power compared to outgoing models.
- Longer than the current Pilot, the new model features a longer wheelbase and more cabin leg room.
On the heels of its latest generation Civic Type R hitting dealers, Honda is showing off something that will probably be a more common sight: the 2023 Pilot. Now spanning four generations since the Pilot went into production in 2002, the Pilot sticks to what shoppers are demanding: more adventure-ready styling and more space. The 20th anniversary of Honda’s Pilot brings that new styling alongside a new 3.5-liter V6, upgraded tech, and more.
Under the hood, Honda says the new V6 squeezes out 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s a small upgrade of 5 hp over the outgoing 3.5-liter, which for decades has relied on a single-overhead cam architecture across multiple Honda vehicle lines. But the all-new V6 switches to the more common dual-overhead cam valvetrain configuration, for better volumetric efficiency.
The new engine mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which has one more gear than the outgoing nine-speed. From there, the power travels to the front wheels, or all four through an upgraded i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. It’s a likely bet these two upgrades will translate to better fuel efficiency than the current Pilot’s 23 combined mpg.
Like most generational shifts, this Pilot grew up for its latest iteration. That means the Pilot, which is 3.4 inches longer than the current version, dwarfs current models in almost every measurement. With a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase, the new Pilot also sports a wider track width, which means it should be even more stable at highway speed than the current model.
That larger footprint also translates into more cabin space. Honda says this Pilot delivers more legroom for second and third-row passengers, with the second row adding 2.4 inches of legroom over the outgoing model. Honda also increased the angle of the third row for a little extra comfort.
When optioned for eight passengers, the second row (in Pilot Touring and Elite models) is configured in a 40/20/40 split that allows the middle seat to lift out and store under the rear cargo floor. Honda says this is a first-in-class feature.
The spacious cabin is also home to new tech. Standard is a 7.0-inch media screen, but a 9.0-inch screen takes its place on higher trims. A digital instrument cluster is standard, too, but a larger instrument cluster also makes its way to Elite trim Pilots. As tends to be the case now, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, but wireless versions of both come standard on Pilots equipped with the 9.0-inch screen.
The Pilot will host a fair share of driver-assistance features, including Honda Sensing standard across the board. That means you won’t have to pay extra for adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and other safety technologies. Honda adds what it calls the TrailWatch camera to the TrailSport trim, which uses four cameras to help drivers better navigate rough terrain. Even if your Pilot doesn’t have the TrailWatch camera system, Honda says all Pilots will feature hill descent control for steep grades.
Honda will spread the Pilot across five trim options, starting with Sport, then stepping up to EX-L, TrailSport, Elite, and the top-of-the-range Touring. Pricing will come closer to the Pilot’s launch next month, but you can almost expect the price to rise from the current $39,375 price tag.
Wesley Wren Wesley Wren has spent his entire life around cars, whether it’s dressing up as his father’s 1954 Ford for Halloween as a child, repairing cars in college or collecting frustrating pieces of history—and most things in between.
Keyword: The Upsized 2023 Honda Pilot Eyes Adventure